Homeowner Blames Social Media Challenge for Costly Door Damage
A Ring doorbell video from the Sloan’s Lake area has sparked concern after capturing two individuals allegedly attempting a social media stunt that left a homeowner with thousands of dollars in damage. Around 2 a.m. Tuesday, the surveillance footage shows two masked figures running up the sidewalk and simultaneously kicking in the front door. The impact broke a section of the door frame and the back of the lock handle, leaving visible footprints and significant structural damage.
The homeowner, Jorgen, estimates the cost of repairs will be close to $4,000. “It’s very disturbing. You wake up and see someone has done that,” Jorgen said. He believes the act was inspired by a dangerous social media challenge, where users post videos of door-kicking pranks that can escalate quickly. Media experts and law enforcement have issued warnings about such trends, pointing to past incidents where stunts have turned fatal.
In Arizona, police are already working to curb similar pranks, while in Virginia, a teenager tragically lost his life in a comparable incident. Jorgen hopes that by sharing his story, others will become aware of the risks associated with these online dares and that those responsible will be held accountable.